Can't live without Manchego cheese or the occasional bottle of silky rioja? Then a visit to the Espana Market Plaza (EMP) at SIP's International Expo Center should be your next port of call. This enormous (1000 sqm) ongoing exhibition provides a platform to promote the very best in Spanish gastronomy, all under one roof. With more than 500 food products available, you'll find a wide variety of Spanish standbys like extra virgin olive oils and more than 50 different types of cheese. And if you get thirsty, they will be happy to let you sample a wide range of liquid refreshment including wines from Rioja, Navarra and Somontano, as well as a selection of aguardientes (liqeurs made from cane sugar) and anisettes (a licquorice tasting spirit made from anise seeds). You can even pick up a few bottles of the world renowned Mahou beer imported directly from Madrid. The organization even arranges occasional Spanish language classes and Flamenco dance to give visitors an even better taste of Iberian culture and traditions. According to EMP's general manager Nacho Preciado it's only a matter of time before Spanish produce takes off in a big way in the Middle Kingdom. "Spanish foods and wines are increasingly in big demand in the Chinese marketplace," he insists. "Locals are becoming curious about other cultures and their food so this is why we thought it would be good to bring a little bit of Spain to China."

Expo Plaza, Xiandai Avenue 现代大道, SIP, Suzhou, Tel: 6299 8559